Product validation ist is a core competence of IFA. As a partner of the auto makers, IFA offers know how and laboratory capacity to validate drive shafts and joints. IFA runs four test centers. The lead test center is located in Haldensleben. Satellite test centers are located in Novi, Michigan (USA), in Shanghai (China) and in Ujazd (Poland). In these centers IFA validates samples and series products on a continuous basis. The test specimens are stressed either on test benches or in the vehicle. Among the loads are:
(i) torque under defined inclination angle of the shaft,
(ii) revolutions per minute,
(iii) temperature,
(iv) time duration of exposure to load,
(v) vibrations,
(vi) corrosion and abrasion,
(vii) mud and water ingress and
(viii) crash loads.
The function of the specimens is monitored continually during load application. After concluding the run, the specimens are disassembled and analyzed.